Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has formally acknowledged that a coup plot aimed at ousting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government did occur, months after initial denials, announcing that those implicated will face trial before military judicial panels. The announcement marks a rare confirmation by Nigeria’s armed forces of an internal threat to the civilian administration, drawing widespread attention across the country’s political and security landscape.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, Major‑General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, disclosed that a comprehensive investigation into allegations involving 16 military officers — first arrested in October 2025 — has now been concluded and the findings submitted to appropriate senior authorities for action. The investigation, conducted under established military procedures, examined the conduct of the officers and identified a number of them as having “allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.”
The statement clarified that the officers had originally been detained over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, but that a deeper probe revealed conduct inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). Those found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels, in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable regulations governing military discipline.
Military officials emphasised that the measures being taken are disciplinary in nature, part of internal mechanisms to preserve order and cohesion within the armed forces, and that due process and fairness will be observed throughout the trial proceedings. The DHQ reiterated its commitment to professionalism, loyalty and respect for Nigeria’s constitutional order, asserting that the armed forces remain steadfast in upholding democratic authority and national stability.
The confirmed acknowledgment represents a significant shift from earlier positions. In October 2025, the DHQ had described the arrests as part of routine disciplinary action, explicitly dismissing public speculation about an attempted coup and denying any intention by detained officers to overthrow the government. At that time, the military sought to reassure Nigerians that the allegations of a coup plot were unfounded, framing the investigation strictly in terms of misconduct within the ranks.
The identities and ranks of the officers implicated have not been publicly disclosed, but reporting at the time of the initial arrests suggested that personnel across several branches of the military — ranging from junior to senior ranks — were among those detained. The scope of the alleged plot and the specific actions attributed to the officers remain subject to classification and ongoing judicial review, according to defence sources.
Observers say the DHQ’s confirmation is likely to deepen public debate about civil–military relations in Nigeria, the integrity of democratic institutions, and the mechanisms for handling internal threats without compromising constitutional governance. The coming arraignments before military judicial panels are expected to be closely watched, both for their legal implications and for what they might reveal about potential fractures within the security establishment.
President Tinubu and senior government officials have not yet issued a public response to the DHQ’s statement, but the explicit acknowledgment of a coup plot — and the forthcoming prosecutions — could shape national discussions about security policy, accountability and the rule of law in the months ahead.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments